NorthernBasser

You may find these easier and less messy.

Cheers!

I'll use small clips for crankbaits, but never jerkbaits.

The Fluke and Caffeine Shad were my go-to's for years. This year I've also been fishing the 6th Sense Flush and really, really like it. More durable as well.

So many friggin' companies nowadays, it's hard to keep everything straight.

*Berkley ?

Backorder from last Memorial Day?? (that WAS fast!)

Agree with NavyToad. I'd definitely go with a med-heavy. You can still get the 7'2" med-heavy Expride A at TW right now, and you'd get the 15% off. It's a very versatile rod.

The 7'2" med-heavy TP-1 Black is a nice rod for the money. Nice grips too if you like the Winn grips. Also, it weighs the same as my 7'2" med-heavy Expride's.

My favorite swim jig. 1/4 oz if I'm fishing shallow.

This. But that doesn't mean the silent won't work in stained water. I've done well with no rattle in dirty water before. I think us fishermen underestimates a bass' ability to find food in water with zero visibility. They obviously do or they wouldn't be alive. Live bluegill don't make rattling sounds. But they do put off vibration and move water when they swim, just like a silent squarebill would. But it's a confident thing for me. In stained/muddy water, I'll throw a rattle/hard knock version 95% of the time.

I don't recall him saying nicer gear will make him a better angler. There's many reasons people buy higher end gear. Lighter rods and reels may make it easier for them to fish all day. Better components, etc. Or maybe they work hard for their money and just enjoy treating themselves. To says it's all about ego is just silly IMO. I'll just assume you fish with $20 Ozark Trail Wal-Mart rods then? No need to spend more than that, right? Personally I don't care what others spend. It's their money. And I certainly won't question someone's character based on how much money they spend on a rod and reel.

So somebody who wants to treat themselves to a higher end rod has a big ego?

Yup, these are what I use as well and will cover the entirety of the whole rod down to the reel seat.

Expride 7'2 med-heavy. Megabass Orochi Diablo is very versatile as well. Or if you wanna save money, the Dobyn Sierra 734. There's a regular size guides model and a micro guides version. If you're not doing braid to leader, the micro guides is a great choice. Awesome, awesome rod.

I got them to try out this year but have yet to try them. I am really happy with these, tho. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Mustad_Wacky_O-Ring_Replacement_Pack_25pk/descpage-MWO.html

Kistler. Add $600 to your cart, get 40% off. I don't need any more rods at the moment, but getting another Helium and Feel N Reel is tempting for $360 (reg. $600).

I always have one or 2 swim jigs tied on. Easily a top 5 bait for me. Now you can have fun experimenting with different trailers. Paddletail-style is obviously great, but craw-style work great as well.

No kidding. Not a good look, at all. And he just kept doubling down. I'm surprised he didn't get booed off the stage.

Bryan New sure won't be getting his tab picked up by the locals next time he's in a Longview area restaurant, that's for sure. ??

Oh shoot, ok thanks. I think the color of the green threw me off. This is the color of the Omen Green 2. Darker than Bulldog's. And looking around on the web there's a 7'1 med-light but it's a full grip, not split like Bulldog's. Upon further investigation, there is an Omen Green 2 with the split grip and lighter green wrap...the saltwater version, which Bulldog had mentioned his was. But most places I looked at didn't list that version. Thanks again.

No worries. And I don't see the Omen Green on TW. Just the Omen Green 2 and Fate Green. I'm guessing the Omen Green may be discontinued?

Do you know where this rod can be bought? I see a lot of the Omen Green 2's. Thanks.

What are you all throwing on that rod?

Personally, I wish all tourneys were like this. Especially if it's during the spawn. Some of my local lakes get hammered with tourneys during the spawn and they have the weigh-in format.